Britax Poplar vs. Safety 1st Crosstown: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Safety 1st Crosstown.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Our Thoughts

If safety and comfort are your top priorities, consider the Britax Poplar. Known for their high safety standards, Britax offers a well-designed, convertible car seat in the Poplar. This seat transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing, ideal for children from birth up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height. A standout feature is the ClickTight installation system, which simplifies the process of securing the seat within your vehicle. The Poplar is also slightly more accommodating for larger toddlers due to its higher weight limits in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes compared to the Safety 1st Crosstown.

The Poplar is not only trusted for its safety, but it also offers comfort for long rides due to its plush design. Reports suggest that it is ideal for extended travel and fits well in compact cars because of its slim profile. The easy-to-remove fabric that allows for convenient cleaning is a bonus for busy parents. While the Poplar is somewhat heavier and bulkier than some alternatives, and on the pricier side, it's considered a solid investment given its longevity and the high level of trust parents have in the Britax brand.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Crosstown offers a good balance of comfort, safety, and affordability. It transitions from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing car seat and finally to a high-back booster. This three-in-one functionality means it could be your child's only car seat from infancy through the booster seat years. The seat's padded design is soft, providing comfort to your little one. The seat fabric is machine washable and dryer safe, a feature highly appreciated by parents. Strat tightening can be a challenge as reported by some users, and the plastic feels a bit flimsy, but it still offers a good value overall.

In terms of weight limits, the Safety 1st Crosstown slightly lags behind the Poplar with a maximum rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds and a forward-facing limit of 65 pounds. However, it introduces a booster mode that can hold children up to 100 pounds. Weight and budget considerations aside, another point to note is that while both car seats have FAA approved modes for forward and rear-facing, the Crosstown's high-back booster mode is not FAA-approved.

When choosing between these two car seats, consider what is most important to you. If you place high value on safety features, comfort, and a trusted brand, and don't mind spending a little more, the Britax Poplar would be a good fit for your needs. However, if you want a more budget-friendly option that transitions all the way to a booster seat, then the Safety 1st Crosstown might be the right choice for you.